Brian Hutchings, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Brantford, will officially retire on January 3, 2025.
Hutchings spent over five years with the City of Brantford as part of his 35-year career in public service.
Hutchings has been a driving force behind several significant key accomplishments during his tenure in Brantford, facilitating a collaborative environment and strategic growth for the City. Among his proudest accomplishments is building a strong team culture at the City, fostering unity and a shared #TeamBrantford commitment to excellence among staff.
Reflecting on his time with the City, Hutchings highlighted the strength of the Brantford community and the commitment of City staff.
“It has been a privilege to serve this great community and to work alongside such dedicated and passionate professionals. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together over the last five years, especially the projects that will benefit future generations of Brantford residents, and I believe I have set the table for the next CAO to see the City continue to thrive,” said Hutchings.
Under Hutchings’ leadership, the City’s 2023 budget featured the lowest tax increase among Ontario cities with a population over 100,000, at a rate well below inflation, and in 2024, Hutchings oversaw the successful implementation of a new multi-year budgeting process.
“On behalf of Council, staff and our community, I would like to sincerely thank Brian for his tremendous contributions to the City over the last five years,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford. “Among his many accomplishments, Brian was instrumental in securing a cost-sharing agreement with the County of Brant and facilitating the merger of Brantford Power with Energy Plus to form GrandBridge Energy. We are deeply grateful for all he has achieved to advance Council’s priorities and help shape the future of our city.”
Before joining the City of Brantford, Hutchings held a prominent role as Vice-President, Administration at Brock University, where he successfully led efforts to address operating deficits and achieve balanced budgets. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hutchings has a long history of community activism, serving in key volunteer roles for numerous non-profit organizations.
Hutchings was named Citizen of the Year by the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce in 2003 and received the Niagara Award from Niagara College in 2008 for his community impact. He has also been honoured with the Business Education Council’s Partnership Award and an honorary diploma from Leadership Niagara. Hutchings was also awarded a Fellowship from the CPA Ontario.
With his retirement around the corner, Hutchings said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family while continuing to be involved in the Brantford community. He will also be taking some leave time over the next few months and assisting with the transition of some key projects, including planning related to the possible new Sports and Entertainment Centre.
The City has begun the recruitment process for a new CAO.
